Food Scientist / Sr. Food Scientist - Chocolate
Job Description
Food Scientist / Sr. Food Scientist – Chocolate
We are seeking a Food Scientist to join our R&D team onsite in Indianapolis, IN. This is a full-cycle product development position that will involve a great deal of commercialization and cost savings support from bench through manufacturing support. This role blends hands-on lab work with increasing responsibility in formulation, scale-up, and commercialization. You’ll work closely with R&D, scientists, operations, and cross-functional partners to support product development activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support formulation, bench trials, and product development activities
- Prepare samples for internal evaluation, sensory testing, and external partners
- Execute lab, pilot, and plant trials; assist with setup, run, and cleanup
- Accurately document formulas, trial results, and observations
- Maintain lab organization and follow food safety and GMP requirements
- Collaborate with R&D, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams
- Support troubleshooting during scale-up and production as needed
- Occasional travel to manufacturing or supplier locations as required
Salary
$90,000 - $130,000 + Bonus
Benefits Available
Qualifications
Required
- BS in Food Science preferred; will consider chemistry, bio degree if they have the right experience
- 3-5 years of experience in R&D and Manufacturing specifically in the snacking categories
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures precisely
- Prefer onsite in Indianapolis but will consider remote (close to Indy) with heavy travel capability
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a lab / pilot plant environment
- Hands-on experience with food formulation, processing, or lab equipment
- Familiarity with basic food safety, GMPs, or pilot plant operations
- Strong organizational and communication skills
Additional Candidate Attributes
- A hands-on, curious learner who wants to be part of a lean, fast paced environment
- A team player who values accuracy, follow-through, and collaboration
- Interest in seeing products move from concept to plant to consumer
Key to Hire: Chocolate compounding and formulation experience is a must. Also working with chocolate scale up equipment at the plant level is also highly desired.
**If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Kristine O'Sullivan at kosullivan@cps4jobs.com.
JO: 4.13.26KO
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Meet Your Recruiter
Sr. Partner
The Food and Beverage Division specializes in the placement of technical professionals in the food and beverage industry from entry level to executive level candidates. I have a talented group of recruiters who specifically source Technical Sales Professionals, Scientists, Regulatory Affairs, Scientific Affairs, Executive Technical professionals, Quality Assurance, Product Development, Technical Service, Nutrition, Analytical and Corporate Chefs. We work on both a contingent basis for professional level searches and retained search for executive level searches. CPS, Inc. has been in the talent recruitment business for 40+ years and we recruit nationwide.